The Top 5 Best Off-Roading Locations

Can't wait to take that custom-rigged, heavy-duty Rocky Ridge custom truck off-roading? That's great, but where will you go with it? There are so many awesome off-roading locations both locally and nationally that you may have a hard time deciding. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of our top five around the country – feel free to check out one, two or all five of these spots, and add some of your own!

Hollister, CA

The Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreational Area (also known as Hollister Hills SVRA) contains over 20 miles of trails –including manmade obstacles such as mud bogs – on which to impress onlookers with your Rocky Ridge custom truck. Check the weather conditions before setting out, as this area is in the Gabilan Mountains and is subject to flooding and impassible routes. The recreational area is also a popular place for events, so call ahead to make sure that you won't be crashing a party!

Moab, Utah

Mountain bikers, rafters, hikers and off-road truckers have enjoyed many adventures amid the scenic terrain of Moab, Utah. This location has actually seen so many visitors that some of the trails are currently closed down or un-drivable. Despite this, there is still plenty to see and do here and many off-road drives to experience.  

Marseilles, IL

The Cliffs Insane Terrain Park offers one of the most popular locations for off-roading in the area. True enthusiasts go crazy for the narrow creeks and heavily wooded terrain—not to mention an infamous mud pit that remains almost impossible to find on your own and usually requires a bit of guidance from personnel. And did we mention the trick holes that appear as simple, easy-riding mud puddles? There is never a dull moment at this location for anyone with a Rocky Ridge custom truck.

Whipsaw Trail, British Columbia

Whipsaw Trail, located in South Central British Columbia, is one of the most sought after off-roading sights in the area during the late summer months of July and August. The trail even received the Goodrich Outstanding Trails award; however, off-roaders are warned to take caution, as the trail currently serves as an active logging and mining road, as well. Bring towing equipment in case your vehicle gets trapped in this tricky spot.

Redneck Yacht Club, FL

The Redneck Yacht Club Mud Park, located in Punta Gorda, Florida is considered by many to be the epitome of off-road trucking adventures. This area is about 800 acres across and contains a mud trail, three different mud holes, and a drive-through ATV wash. The Redneck Yacht Club is also home to camping facilities, food vendors, and other crowd-pleasing amenities. Bring the family along for an off-roading adventure here!

Have you done a lot of off-roading? Which are your favorite spots?

Pre-owned for Peace of Mind

Buying a pre-owned vehicle can seem like a difficult process. Before certified pre-owned programs were instituted by dealerships and manufacturers, trying to save money by buying a used car was seen as a risky move. However, in the past few years, buying used has become not only safer, but sometimes even preferred. And when working with top-notch, respectable dealerships such as Gentilini's, the process only becomes easier.

What makes buying pre-owned so exceptional? There are many reasons that it can make more sense for you, from the cost, warranties, and financing options to the long life of the vehicles today. However, if you are unsure of what to look for, here are some things to consider when talking to a used car dealer:

àHow does inspection work, and what parts of the vehicle have been specifically examined? Are inspections up to manufacturer's standards?

àDoes your car model of choice have any manufacturing issues or concerns? If there have been issues, find out if the dealership has dealt with the situation accordingly.

àAlso, remember to ask about the details of the vehicle warranty—have all major (more costly) repairs been taken care of? How long will the warranty extend and what does it cover?

àDoes each car come with a vehicle history report? The best dealerships will provide them online or in-person, but you can type in the VIN number at CARFAX and find them independently, as well.

àDo you have an old vehicle? How much is it worth? Even $500 or $1,000 will be helpful when put towards your new car, and will keep your payments lower if you finance.

àHow much has the vehicle in question depreciated? Vehicles lose a significant portion of their value during the first few years and, as most used cars are at least a couple of years old, you can neatly avoid the most costly period of ownership.

In addition to asking these questions, make sure to review all possible resources during the buying process. For instance, you can check out the value of your potential vehicle, the specs, safety information, etc., at sites such as TrueCar.com, Kelley Blue Book, or Intellichoice. These companies have revolutionized the used car market, the buying process, and the legitimacy of pre-owned vehicles altogether. Coupled with Certified Pre-owned programs, these reference sites and guides make used cars a safe, smart choice for any buyer, and take a great deal of the worry out of the process.

Buying used allows you to get the car you want at a price you can afford. However, purchasing a car is always going to be a big decision – one that should be considered carefully. By shopping for certified pre-owned cars in New Jersey, you can get the most for your money, and a vehicle that will last you for years to come. 

No Fears on Your Next Car Lease Deal

Leasing a car can be an incredibly nerve-wracking and deflating experience. It's hard to know which car is best for you, how much it should cost, and whether you are getting a good deal or not. Fortunately, dealerships such as Gentilini Motors in South Jersey offer you a way to take the headache and buyer's remorse out of the entire process.

If you're looking for a new car to lease and don't know where to start, here are some tips that will help you find a good dealership like ours.

Decide what Kind of Car you Want

Before setting foot in any dealership, you'll want to make a decision about the type of car you are looking for. Create a budget and examine your lifestyle – these will help you determine whether a sporty and affordable compact or a heavy-duty truck would be more your speed.

Look at the Reviews and Retention Rates

One of the best ways to identify a good dealership is to look at customer reviews online and examine the retention rates for the brands that they sell. The reviews offer you firsthand insight into the buying experience and details about the customer service, allowing you to avoid wasting a trip. Retention rates help you to see how happy past customers have been with the vehicles of a particular manufacturer.

Check for Extras & Specials

Once you've located a dealership that you want to visit, check out their website for extras and specials. They will often advertise some of their best deals online, so take a good look at both the inventory and the sales (especially around holidays, when they often have some of their best promotions).

Ask about Residual Value

This is simply the amount of value your vehicle retains at the end of the lease. While this may not seem important if you are not intending to buy the car, it has a substantial impact on your payments. Essentially, you pay for the car value that you are using up, so if it is determined that you are using $10,000 worth, that is divided by 36 (in an average-length lease) and taxes and fees are added to create your monthly payment. Therefore, cars that retain their value longer will cost less during the lease. Call your dealership of choice and inquire about the residual value of the cars you are interested in. The average will be about 50%, so try to look for something a little above that, if possible.

Find a Dealership that Offers Low Interest Rates

Interest rates are one of the other flexible factors that will affect your monthly payment. Of course, this rate may be somewhat determined by your credit score; however, many good dealerships will offer competitive rates even if you don't have perfect credit, so look for these establishments.

These are just some of the most important things to consider when looking for car lease deals in NJ. The best dealerships will help you to find the exact car you want – no muss, no fuss!